Saturn (As a political entity)

Saturn was mostly democratic although its election system could be seen as undemocratic.

➟ President

An election for Saturn presidency was held every 20 years. However, Saturn employed a unique system where an incumbent could bypass an election entirely if his approval rating was above 45%, using the true tie system.

A president approval vote could be held to bypass an election and this vote was held in Saturn ironhall (legislature). Since the Maeka always enjoyeda majority in ironhall, as long as a president was supported by the Maeka, he could be in power indefinitely. For an example, Gaer held his seat until his death. His regime lasted more than four hundred years overall.

While Saturn was under United Sol, an administrator replaced the role of a president and his term was indefinite until dismissed.

➟ Ironhall

It was the legislature of Saturn. Ironhall existed long before the planet became fully independent. However, its powers were very restricted under United Sol, giving an administrator full authority to do whatever he wished.

It was a home to 61 members whose terms lasted 15 years per. Like the president approval vote, the members of Ironhall could also have their own approval vote from their own district, bypassing a need for costly election.

Ironhall also employed United Sol’s true tie system, meaning a majority meant 56% of the vote and anything between 45 ~ 55% was considered a tie. A president had a power to break the tie in his favor to either accept or reject.

Should a member of Ironhall pass away during his term, his seat would remain vacant until his term ended.

➟ Debates on the approval vote

Ironhall members often debated on whether the approval vote system was abused too much. Opposition members often spoke out that the whole system was undemocratic and it should be removed.

The Maeka clan always refused to abolish the system since it worked in their favor. Additionally, many established members of Ironhall also opposed this since it also worked in their favor.

As a result, while debates were often held on the matter, it never really gained any meaningful traction.